If you gather several people who want to learn how to lead cuddle events, I can come to your city.

Hi, I’m Jean Franzblau, Founder of the Cuddle Sanctuary Event Leader Training Program in Los Angeles. I teach people who want to bring repair and connection into our fractious world by leading their own touch-positive community events.

This intensive offers tools to lead events that not only connect but also challenge societal norms, fostering spaces of inclusivity and healing.

“Your workshops changed my life.”

I often hear these words from our passionate, die-hard participants. It’s incredibly gratifying to create an experience for people that delivers the human contact and sense of community they crave. In this intensive, you’ll learn the secret sauce of what makes Cuddle Sanctuary tick. Participants will leave the program with the skills, experience and practice they need to lead their own cuddle workshops.

This program will delight, challenge and change you.

When you put a group of human beings together who care as deeply about people and the world as the fans of Cuddle Sanctuary are, it creates a potent alchemy. When you add the experienced facilitation and world-class program design that I’ll be bringing you, you can expect fireworks. Besides the personal growth you’ll experience and the new friendships that will emerge, you’ll also have the confidence and certification to lead workshops that truly and deeply help people.

We’ve put on over a hundred events in Los Angeles and new people keep finding us monthly. Our BuzzFeed video received over ten millions views – clearly the message of healthy, human connection is hit a chord in our touch-deprived culture.

With the climate crisis and ongoing uncertainly in the U.S., people are needing calm for their nervous systems and safe places to reset.

With a Cuddle Sanctuary Event Leader Certificate, you have an opportunity to literally be the change you wish to see in the world. Join us for a three-day immersive journey into the art of holding space, where you’ll cultivate the skills to foster genuine human connection.

Over three days, we’ll co-create a sanctuary where you’ll deepen your understanding of consent, explore the nuances of human connection, and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be supported with thoughtfully prepared materials and activities. Our time together will weave practice, demonstration, storytelling, spacious group dialogue and one-on-one feedback. You’ll be immersed in community, kind connection, and—if it feels right—opportunities to cuddle!

“I really like the pace and format of the training, it went so quick!” Frank Whitaker – Student, Certified Event Leader

You could spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to facilitate these events yourself. Or simply let me show you how. I’ll be sharing all of my secrets, tips and techniques create the social safety, camaraderie, and magical moments for your guests.

What’s Included?

23+ hours of live training with a master cuddle event leader
Fellow students/colleagues with whom you will be training
Lifetime access to online course materials

Here’s What Happens in Class

Friday

On our first busy morning together, we’ll get to know each other and dive right into learning the basics of how to facilitate three elements of a good cuddle:

Opening Circle

Guidelines

Body and Breath

You’ll be learning experientially every step of the way. We’ll begin with a demonstration of the element that we’re working on. From there we’ll deconstruct it in a group discussion. After that, you’ll get a chance to try it out. We’ll provide feedback so we can all learn from each other. All feedback will be constructive and respectful. Each participant will get tips and suggestions for how to take their skills to the next level.

We’ll charge forward by exploring three more important elements of Cuddle Sanctuary Socials:

“No Thank You” Exercise

Hug/No Hug Exercise

Group Debriefs

This portion of the day will allow us to delve into the important interpersonal work that creates a safe and trusting environment for participants.

Next we’ll go over our secrets for helping a bunch of strangers evolve quickly into a group of friends by exploring how to lead Paired Practices, Demonstrations and “Create Your Own Adventure.” These elements help participants cross a threshold towards more touch and less facilitation. All of our careful work creating trust and transparency leads to this moment. It takes strong leadership to set up both the paired and group practice. And you’ll be getting all the tips you need.

Setting up a demonstration for participants is an artform. We’ll explore best practices on how to do it and as with everything in the training – you’ll have time to practice and receive feedback.

With mastery of each of the above portions of our cuddle events, your participants can easily transition to their favorite part: Cuddling! You’ll be amazed how you can smoothly lead your group to begin The Cuddle Laboratory. They’ll thank you for it!

You’ll finish the day learning how to lead a powerful, satisfying Closing Circle so that your participants leaves feeling happy and complete.

Friday Night

On Friday night, you’ll experience an exclusive cuddle for just the students. Get ready to melt into connection, affection and fun. You’ll have a chance to try out what you learned during the day in an ultra-safe, nurturing environment. School has never been this fun.

Saturday

We’ve got lots to do on Day 2 so we’ll be meeting bright and early. We’ll start off with a debrief of our first day of learning. From there we’ll discuss the “pros and cons” of gender balancing and practice the art of setting boundaries as a leader. We’ll take time to explore the business aspects of leading cuddle events and answer any questions you have.

In the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to receive individual coaching and also to practice leading different parts of a cuddle event. You’ll receive lots of group and individual feedback from your trainers and your peers.

We’ll go over what to expect for your Practicum, with guidance on how to prepare so you can be at your best.

Sunday “The Practicum”

We’ve got lots more practice cued up for you on Sunday. You and your fellow students will set up, greet guests and each have a part to play in facilitating a Cuddle Sanctuary Social. There’s so much to learn when theory meets practice!

Once the guests are gone, we’ll debrief the experience with some snacks. Then – as quickly as it all started – we’ll be done. We’ll celebrate with a closing circle and poignant goodbyes.

Tuition

The tuition for the three-day in-person intensive is $1,997. (Group rates are available.)

Application fee: $25. This fee is nonrefundable. If you’re accepted into the program, the application fee will be applied to your tuition.

Payment plans, financial aid, and some partial racial equity scholarships are available.

Enrollment is a commitment to personal growth and communal healing. Begin this journey by reflecting on your intentions. I can’t wait to hear from you!